Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure, certain types of angina, and coronary heart failure. The drug works by slowing down the rate at which calcium moves to your heart and blood vessel walls, allowing better blood flow. Amlodipine comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth, usually once a day. Some possible side effects of this drug include dizziness, nausea, and headache.

 

What Is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine besylate (Norvasc®) is a prescription medication used to treat various conditions of the heart and blood vessels.
 

Who Makes Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
 

What Is Amlodipine Used For?

Amlodipine has been licensed for several uses. These uses for amlodipine include:
 
o Angina (chest pain), including exercise-induced angina (also known as chronic stable angina or exertional angina) and vasospastic angina (also known as Prinzmetal's or variant angina)
 
o Coronary artery disease in people who do not have congestive heart failure.
(Click What Is Amlodipine Used For? for more information on what amlodipine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Amlodipine Work?

Amlodipine is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. The drug helps slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and into the blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and causes lower blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not have an effect on the heart rate.
 
(Amlodipine Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;